Naomi Osaka was hugely impressive earlier today, as she beat Diana Schnaider in straight sets.
In beating the Russian, the 28-year-old has now set up a mouth-watering clash with Iga Swiatek in the next round.
However, it seemed like Naomi Osaka was not aware of this.
Therefore, when she was told in her post-match press conference, the reporters were treated to her raw, unfiltered reaction.
Naomi Osaka’s instant reaction after being told she’ll play Iga Swiatek next in Rome
“I think it’s Iga next,” the reporter posed, eliciting a stunned response from Osaka.
She replied: “Oh, my God. Sorry. Damn (laughter).”
Osaka composed herself and previewed what should be the best match of the round, adding with a smile: “Life is a little cruel. Damn. Sabalenka, now Iga (laughter).
Who is winning this blockbuster Italian Open showdown? 👀
“I don’t know. I think obviously for me that’s where I show up. I think even though it hasn’t been in my favor the last couple of times, for me those matches are the most fun. I’m excited at the thought.
“I don’t know, it just makes me smile.”
Osaka’s coach was not present for her first match in Rome, with Matias Zukas having assumed the role of head coach for today’s clash against Schnaider.
What happened the last time Naomi Osaka played Iga Swiatek
It’s been just shy of two years since we last saw these two tennis titans clash, and if this Italian Open match is anything like that one, we are in for a treat.
After all, it saw them meet in just the second round at Roland Garros, with the Japanese tennis star consistently hampered due to her lack of ranking having just come back to the sport.
- Iga Swiatek d. Naomi Osaka, Roland Garros R2, 2024
- Iga Swiatek d. Naomi Osaka, Miami Open Final, 2022
- Naomi Osaka d. Iga Swiatek, Rogers Cup, 2019
Many expected a solid showing but, ultimately, a Swiatek win. That is similar to what occurred, but with far more fight than many had expected from a recently returning Osaka.
The first set was a thriller, with the 24-year-old narrowly edging it in a tiebreak.
However, the four-time Grand Slam champion roared back, winning the second set by a stunning 6-1 margin.
And, as she took a break in the deciding third set, it felt like Osaka was on track for her biggest win since confirming her comeback.
Are you worried about Iga Swiatek’s struggles to get over the line or impressed by her mentality?
A tricky opening match in Rome…
Alas, it was not to be, and Swiatek rallied to win that set 7-5 and the match.
Reflecting on that encounter, Osaka also said at her press conference: “I do like thinking about that match because for me, even though I didn’t win, it was like a check, you know?
“I think that was my first big match after pregnancy. To challenge her on one of her best, or her best surface, was really cool.”
